Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt to take on role as dean of OCU law school

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt is the next dean of Oklahoma City University's School of Law.

He will start the new position July 1, but it will have no effect on his service as OKC mayor. Holt currently serves as the managing director of communications for private investment company Hall Capital.

OCU President Kenneth Evans said in a press release Holt will lead the law school into its next era.

“I appreciate David’s leadership experience, broad network within the law and government communities, and strong connection to the OCU School of Law,” Evans said. “Our university community welcomes him back to campus and looks forward to his impact on our law school.”

Holt, who received his juris doctor from Oklahoma City University in 2009, and worked for a year in 2011 for Williams Box Forshee and Bullard, told The Oklahoman in March he didn't need much convincing to apply for the position.

"I am grateful and excited for this opportunity to join its mission, in the heart of downtown OKC," Holt said in a tweet announcing the career news. "I truly believe the future for this school is limitless."

What will David Holt do as OCU Law Dean?

Holt will be "the chief academic officer and chief administrator of the School of Law," with responsibilities including maintaining growth in enrollment and retention, generating more external support through fundraising and outreach, planning and executing the school's administrative budget, among others.

Being an OKC mayor has long history of being a side gig

Outside of their roles as public servants, Oklahoma City's elected officials often have other jobs or full-time careers because their elected positions don't pay what many consider a livable wage.

The mayor of Oklahoma City makes $24,000 per year from the job, while city council members receive half that.

"This is just in keeping with a century tradition of being a full-time employee somewhere else and serving in your spare time as mayor," Holt said.

In fact, it's not even the first time an Oklahoma City mayor has held a leadership position with this university.

Jack Wilkes served as president of Oklahoma City University from 1957 to 1963, the same year he was elected as mayor of Oklahoma City. He resigned the presidency a few months into his mayoral term to become the pastor of Wesley Methodist Church, according to The Oklahoman.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Mayor David Holt named dean of Oklahoma City University law school